Math rock is a type of progressive rock music that is characterized by rhythmic structures within the music, as well as tight, mathematical precision and stylistic changes. This style of music rose to prominence in the United States in the late 1980s and early to mid 1990s, and is known for the complexity and technical skill of those who play it. One of the distinguishing characteristics of math rock is how the tone and meter of a piece of music frequently change throughout a song; rather than using a single steady rhythm throughout, these songs frequently change throughout a track.
The progressive rock movements largely began in the 1970s and continued in various forms throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. The use of rock and roll instruments such as a lead guitar, drums, and bass to create music that transcends the common structure of rock songs is a hallmark of this genre. Progressive rock is divided into a number of subgenres, including math rock, each of which aims to push the boundaries of popular music in a variety of ways. Tight rhythms that alter and change in ways that are often described as “angular” or “mathematic” are the primary method of transcendence in this type of rock.
The most common meter or time signature for most rock and roll songs is 4/4, which means that each measure, or group of beats, has four beats and the beat is a quarter note. Less common time signatures, such as 3/2 or 11/8, are frequently used in math rock. These are difficult meters for a musician to play because they create unusual and often discordant rhythms within a song. This type of structure is largely responsible for the term “math rock,” as playing pieces of music that appear geometric or mathematical in nature necessitates a high level of technical skill.
Not only does most rock music use a single, simple measure for many songs, but it also uses the same time signature throughout the song. Time signatures can change abruptly in a math rock arrangement, giving the music a disjointed but internally cohesive feel. Sudden stops and starts, rhythm changes, and tempo accelerations and decelerations are all hallmarks of math rock. Although some fans have continued to enjoy prominent artists within the movement who may have an influence on future musicians, there has been little growth in this sub genre since the end of the twentieth century.